Numerous studies have shown that sports are a magnificent means to better mental health, but if your main goal is to battle anxiety or depression, you may wonder whether to opt for a team or individual sport. A 2023 study has shown that performing any type of sport—whether alone or in the company of others—can help improve mental health. Still, one does seem to have a slight edge over the other when it comes to mental health goals.
Team Sports vs Stress and Anxiety
A national study of over 11,000 youths found that playing team sports (such as football, baseball, or basketball) is linked to fewer mental health difficulties. By contrast, those who only play individual sports (such as tennis or wrestling) can face tougher challenges.
This is logical since individual sports can place all the burden of excelling on one person. When one plays as part of a team, pressure and stress are shared, and players can support each other emotionally. Another study showed that people who choose to participate in group physical activities report 26% less stress than those who train alone.
Honing Spirituality as a Group
An article in The Sport Journal discusses the spiritual aspect of connecting to self, others, and a higher purpose—and for people from the millennial generation and younger, sport is a powerful way to do so.
From CrossFit boxes to basketball courts, athletes are bolstering each other, providing emotional support, and helping each other achieve new heights of excellence. Rev. Michael Plank, a pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls, opened a CrossFit box because he “could see how CrossFit was making people’s lives better, which is the very same reason why I went into ministry.” He envisions boxes as communities that meet human needs for connection, spirituality, and physical health.”
The aim is to produce happier, more centered, productive members of society who can do more than just exercise—for instance, in Plank’s box, they take part in service work and can opt to take part in Bible study.
The Value of Teamwork
Group sports have been proven to induce greater happiness than individual sports for many reasons. We have mentioned connection and shared responsibility, but teamwork is right up there as a valuable lesson learned by members of a team or group. If you keep up to date with the life stories of famous baseball stars or athletes from other team sports such as basketball, football, or rugby, then you know that many cite camaraderie as one of their core values.
For instance, veteran MLB pitcher Adam Wainwright has spoken extensively about the role of his teammates in his development as a player. He has said, “Two athletes on a similar level can help each other reach higher peaks than they ever might have alone,” highlighting the value of mutual respect and camaraderie.
The Benefits of Individual Sports
All the above studies and observations do not mean that group sports are for everyone. Some people simply enjoy individual sports more and many prefer non-competitive to competitive pursuits. If you are one of them, know that you can reap many benefits for your mental health. For instance, simply exercising for 20 to 30 minutes per day can make you feel calmer, with effects lasting for many hours later. Exercise also boosts concentration, improves self-esteem, and helps battle anxiety and depression.
With respect to team vs individual sports, studies seem to suggest that team sports are more beneficial to mental health. However, exercise in any form is a powerful form of self-care and it reduces levels of stress hormones, thus proving to be an excellent buffer against anxiety and depression. There is one proviso, however—those competing individually can experience greater stress because there is nobody to share the burden of competition with, unlike the case of team sports, where the entire team shares pressure and stress.
This article was written for WHN by Bri Burton, who is a talented wordsmith, an avid blogger, and a health advocate.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://worldhealth.net/news/exercise-secret-to-living-a-longer-life/
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-023-02264-8
https://www.jecoursqc.com/en/team-sports-all-the-benefits-of-exercise-with-an-added-twist
https://catholicherald.org/columns/sports-have-a-spiritual-component/
https://onbeing.org/blog/how-we-gather-part-1-the-theology-of-crossfit/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-good-life/201012/team-sports-happiness-and-health
https://www.baseballbiographies.com/
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-023-02264-8
